Michigan Snow Depths
Subject
Snow Depth ; Snow ; Michigan Snow Depths ; Michigan Weather Service ; Michigan Department of Agriculture ; ESSA - Weather Bureau ; United States Department of Commerce ; February 1969
Abstract
An understanding of the variability, duration and causes
of snow depths in Michigan is important to the planner, developer
or engineer in optimizing the use and development of an area at a
minimal cost.
Snowmobile trails must be placed in areas where substantial
amounts of natural snow occur and remain on the ground for long
periods. Ski slopes are most frequently located in the areas of
heavy natural snowfall to reduce the need for artificially produced
snow. Roofs must be reinforced in areas of heavy snow to carry the
increased weight of the snow. The cost of road maintenance increases
in areas of heavier snowfall. Timber cutting becomes more difficult
and expensive during periods of heavy snow cover. Some game, particularly
deer herds, find it difficult to move about and find
sufficient food when a heavy snow cover accumulates and often
become easy prey for other predators. The risk of flooding increases
with the presence of a heavy snow cover during the spring months.
Frost depth, or penetration, under a heavy snow cover is limited to
a few inches of the surface soil. Survival rates for certain
insects are increased by a heavy snow cover. The slow melting of
the snow cover is an important source of moisture for the recharge
of the soil-water supply.
Description
Partial OCR done. 23 pages total.